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Irish Potato Candy Recipe

4.6 from 614 reviews

Irish Potato Candy is a unique and delightful treat that resembles small potatoes but offers a sweet, creamy coconut flavor with a hint of cinnamon. Made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, shredded coconut, and vanilla, these bite-sized candies are rolled in cinnamon for that iconic potato-like appearance. Perfect as a festive snack or dessert, they are simple to prepare and wonderfully satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 8-ounce package Philadelphia cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
  • 4 ounces (1 stick or 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
  • 32 ounces confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)
  • 7 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal)

Coating

  • 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and ensuring that the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, butter, confectioner’s sugar, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix on low speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Scrape Bowl: Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixer bowl to incorporate any ingredients that may be stuck, ensuring a uniform mixture.
  4. Chill Mixture: Cover the prepared mixture with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for one hour. This helps firm the dough for shaping.
  5. Shape Candies: After chilling, scoop out small tablespoon-sized portions of the coconut dough. Roll each portion into a small ball, aiming to make approximately 75 candies.
  6. Coat with Cinnamon: Place ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll each ball in the cinnamon until fully coated to give the candies their signature potato-like look.
  7. Set on Tray: Arrange the rolled candies on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  8. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the coated candies until ready to serve. This keeps them firm and allows the flavors to meld.
  9. Serve: Present the Irish Potato Candy on a platter as a sweet treat or store them in an airtight container or jar for convenient snacking.

Notes

  • Make sure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Use sweetened shredded coconut to achieve the desired chewy texture.
  • Rolling the candies evenly ensures a consistent size and appearance.
  • These candies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • For a stronger cinnamon flavor, adjust the amount used on the coating to taste.

Keywords: Irish Potato Candy, Irish dessert, no-bake candy, cream cheese candy, coconut candy, cinnamon candy